• EveryCubEver

    Today’s Cubs Birthdays (January 30)

    By Rick Kaempfer
    In Today's Cub Birthday
    Jan 30th, 2024
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    Davey Johson~Davey Johnson 1943 (Cubs 1978)
    Davey Johnson had a very distinguished playing career before he became a manager. He was a four-time All-Star, three time Gold Glove second baseman, two-time World Series champ, and once hit 43 homers in a season, but by the time he came to the Cubs, those days were in his rearview mirror. The Cubs got him from the Phillies in August of 1978, and he played with them for the last few months of his big league career. He went into coaching shortly thereafter and has since won six divisional championships and a World Series title (with the 1986 Mets) as a manager. (Photo: Topps 1979 Baseball Card)

    ~Doc Watson 1885 (Cubs 1913)
    Watson pitched for the Cubs very briefly during the 1913 season, then jumped over to play in the Federal League in the first season at what is now known as Wrigley Field. Why was he called Doc? It’s elementary, my dear Watson. He was nicknamed after the famous sidekick of Sherlock Holmes.

    ~Vin Campbell 1888 (Cubs 1908)
    He got his cup of coffee with the Cubs in their most momentous year, 1908. He got his chance only because the Cubs were decimated with injuries. Outfielder Jimmy Sheckard was out with an eye injury, reserve infielder Heinie Zimmerman was out because he was beaten up by his teammates for causing Sheckard’s eye injury, backup catcher Pat Moran was spiked, starting pitcher Chick Fraser was hit in his pitching hand with a line drive, starter Orval Overall had a bad back, and a flu bug was sidelining utilityman Solly Hofman, reserve Del Howard, and most importantly, first baseman Frank Chance & second baseman Johnny Evers. Campbell got only one at bat on June 6, 1908.

    ~Matt Alexander 1947 (Cubs 1973-74)
    Matt was an outfielder/third baseman who was known for his speed. In only 60 at-bats with the Cubs, he managed to steal ten bases. He stole nearly a hundred more before his big league career was over despite only hitting .214.

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